Climate Change Threatens Sustainable Agroforestry in Central America

In Jorge Luis López’s community of San Juan Ixcán, Guatemala, agroforestry systems introduced by EcoLogic Development Fund are helping local farmers to improve their crop yields without damaging the environment.

“Thanks to EcoLogic, I’ve had the opportunity to learn new farming practices—how to establish nurseries, plant grafting, proper crop spacing, species diversification, and more. After three years, I have already planted four parcels of land that now produce corn, cacao, and cardamom.”

A new report published by the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) suggests that many tropical tree species including Inga are likely to suffer as a result of climate change over the coming decades. The report, which can be viewed online, shows large swaths of Mexico and Central America becoming unsuitable habitat for Inga; and other trees as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and other climate-related stress factors constrain trees’ ability to grow in the region.